Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to probe reversibly photoswitchable azobenzene in controlled nanoscale environments

Nano Lett. 2011 Aug 10;11(8):3447-52. doi: 10.1021/nl2019195. Epub 2011 Jul 18.

Abstract

We apply in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to probe the reversible photoswitching of azobenzene-functionalized molecules inserted in self-assembled monolayers that serve as controlled nanoscale environments. Nanohole arrays are fabricated in Au thin films to enable SERS measurements associated with excitation of surface plasmons. A series of SERS spectra are recorded for azobenzene upon cycling exposure to UV (365 nm) and blue (450 nm) light. Experimental spectra match theoretical calculations. On the basis of both the simulations and the experimental data analysis, SERS provides quantitative information on the reversible photoswitching of azobenzene in controlled nanoscale environments.